For about 30 years, community members have gathered at Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, Indiana, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to honor our U.S. armed forces. (WLFI Photo)

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — The community is coming together Friday to celebrate and honor those who protect our country.

For about 30 years, people have gathered at Riehle Plaza on Veterans Day.

This Veterans Day Gunnery Sgt. Franklin E. Martinez spoke about the importance of the holiday.

Tippecanoe County Veterans Council president Tim Hilton said he knows from experience, it means a lot just to hear thank you.

“When we came back from Vietnam, during that horrific war, we didn’t get that. We didn’t get thank you,” Hilton said. “We don’t have many World War II veterans; but when they came home, they had a parade”

Hilton said these days, war veterans typically come home and head straight to their family without public recognition. That’s why he believes Veterans Day is so special.

Hilton added it also gives children an opportunity to learn about the past, present and future of the U.S. Armed Forces.